Prime Minister Modi Embarks on Two-Day Visit to Strengthen India-Mauritius Relations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Mauritius to celebrate national day and strengthen bilateral relations. He aims to sign agreements on trade and capacity-building, meet with key leaders, and inaugurate projects in the Indian community. The visit underlines historical ties and positions India as a significant partner in Mauritius’ economic landscape.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Mauritius for a two-day State Visit to partake in national day celebrations as chief guest and to engage in discussions with prominent leaders. The visit was prompted by a formal invitation from Mauritius’ Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam, and aims at signing various agreements to bolster cooperation in trade, capacity building, and fighting cross-border financial crimes. Modi stated his hope for the visit to herald a “new and bright” chapter in India-Mauritius relations.
In addition to meeting with the Mauritian President and Prime Minister, PM Modi will hold dialogues with senior dignitaries and political leaders during his trip. He will also interact with the Indian community and inaugurate two pivotal projects funded by India: a civil service college and an area health centre. He expressed anticipation for the discussions with Mauritian leaders to enhance bilateral partnerships.
A contingent of the Indian armed forces and the Indian Navy is set to join in the national day celebrations, which will feature the Akash Ganga skydiving team from the Indian Air Force. Modi noted, “Mauritius is a close maritime neighbour, a key partner in the Indian Ocean, and a gateway to the African Continent,” emphasizing their shared historical, geographical, and cultural connections. He further remarked on their mutual trust and common values as strengths in their relationship.
The longstanding ties between India and Mauritius are illustrated by historical and cultural links stemming from a robust people-to-people connection, which Modi regards as a source of pride. Modi’s previous visit in 2015 was pivotal for bilateral relations. India, as one of Mauritius’ largest trading partners, benefits from strong economic relations with the nation, where approximately 70 percent of the population is of Indian descent.
India has reiterated support for Mauritius in negotiations with the United Kingdom regarding the Chagos Islands, which is likely to be discussed in meetings with Prime Minister Ramgoolam. Notably, the UK announced plans last October to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands back to Mauritius, ending decades of control.
The visit of Prime Minister Modi to Mauritius underscores the importance of India-Mauritius relations. With a focus on expanding cooperation in crucial areas such as trade and capacity building, this trip represents a significant step towards strengthening ties rooted in shared history and culture. Modi’s meetings with leadership and community engagement further cement the relationship, setting the stage for future collaborations, particularly regarding the Chagos Islands sovereignty negotiations.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
